A great divide brews
EMOTIONS ran high last Monday as Seymour residents pleaded with Mitchell Shire Council to hear their concerns about the effect of a proposed new drive-through coffee shop on High Street.
The premises, owned by Mitchell Shire Councillor Ned Jeffrey, was subject to an hour-long debate in which 12 people raised objections to the planning permit, while one spoke for it.
This added to the submissions received by council, in which 38 submissions objected, while seven supported the proposal.
Council released a statement shortly after the meeting, saying the full report will be presented at its meeting on Monday, March 16.
“The application is still under consideration, and no decision has been made at this stage,” it said.
“Submissions made at the meeting will be considered as part of the formal decision-making process. This is in addition to feedback previously received when the planning permit application was publicly advertised on council’s website.
“A full report will be published when the planning permit application is presented to the council meeting on Monday 16 March for consideration.
“As the application remains under consideration, council is unable to provide further comment.”
Dr Salim Ahammed, who lives next door to the proposed coffee shop, was first to speak against the proposal.
“We have a problem with traffic around the roundabout with big trucks, 24/7. This permit will have an unpredictable number of cars coming to the same area and I am concerned about the pollution, traffic and noise,” he said.
Resident Anna Pinnock had three points of discussion for councillors to consider regarding safety.
“My first point is the application, there’s non-compliance with planning frameworks, so the application for 44 High Street conflicts with the Seymour 3660 strategic plan, designating 44 High Street as remaining in the future within the residential zone,” she said.
“The existing roundabout at this location is currently dangerous due to a single driveway servicing two sites sitting on the circulating lane of the roundabout.
“To repurpose an existing exit on the circulating lane of a roundabout for a commercial drive-through could lead to serious transport accidents.
“This roundabout carries B-double trucks, V-Line buses, school buses, heavy delivery vehicles, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and CFA vehicles.”
The safety risks was a point that was also raised by fellow resident Peter Malane.
“I felt there were two core questions for councillors to consider,” he said.
“Should the contestable convenience for some consumers of a discretionary purchase and the financial benefit of the applicant override near-certain safety risks, congestion and very detrimental amenity impacts?
“Does strong, well-justified objections from local residents, supported by Victorian laws and the planning scheme, outweigh the interest of popular applicants with certain status in the community?
“I support cafés. I support drive-throughs in appropriate commercial zones. I support the office photography use approved last year, of which there were zero objections. The issue at this site is the drive-through.
“There are at least 12 existing coffee options within a five-minute walk, and there’s nothing less needed in the town in my opinion.
“This design fails basic safety principles and should not be supported. Please, councillors, and any other decision-makers, come down to the site, park up, don’t drive around and think about it, come and have a safe look and think about what’s going to happen here if this goes ahead.”
Garry Wool spoke of the impacts traffic would have on learner drivers.
“Bringing extra cars into our street does not fit really well. We get inundated with learner drivers as it is, so we’ve put up with that,” he said.
It was a point also raised by Carol Smith, who also said Cr Jeffrey has a conflict of interest.
“VicRoads – it’s been mentioned, a lot of learner drivers use that street, as VicRoads use it for driver tests. I think additional traffic into that area close to the intersection of Wallis Street would disadvantage people trying to get a driver’s licence, as there would be extra congestion at that intersection.
“I think having a food premises, they would expect to be able to have advertising on their premises, and that creates another distraction for drivers in that busy roundabout.
“I do not believe a councillor should promote their own business interest while a member of a council. I see it as a conflict of interest, and I think the councillor’s role is to serve their community ahead of their own purposes.”
James Cavill spoke for the drive-through coffee shop, defending Cr Jeffrey’s right to make an application, while also proposing some solutions.
“It’s certainly open to anyone within the municipality to make an application. What we also know about the applicant is that he is a prominent member of the community, he operates business within the community, owns land within the community and is interested in the positive progress of the community,” he said.
“Through that lens of perhaps co-operation and suggesting some progress, there are a few things that we picked up from your objections which might be put forward … which might address some concerns.
“Safety at the Butler Street exit is one thing we’ve heard about a lot. Pedestrian safety off Butler Street can be, and I can foresee a world where it would be problematic somehow, but there are two things that we can probably do to address those concerns.
“One would be lower fence heights to ensure we can have visibility through that one corner at least, and on the other side implement some convex mirrors to visibility outside.”
The consideration of a future report, submissions and questions was carried unanimously by council.
Leaving a big legacy
AFTER three decades in the classroom, student/teacher support worker Josie Westcott is saying goodbye to Upper Plenty Primary School, a place she says she has loved for more than half her life.
“I have been working here for 30 years, but I have been part of the school community for 33 years,” she said.
Josie, as everyone called her, began as a parent volunteer.
“Four of my kids went here, and that’s how I started here. I used to volunteer a lot as a parent-helper. And then a position became available and I was asked to apply, I did, and here I am 30 years later.”
At the time, the school was tiny.
“When my children started, there were 28 kids in the whole school,” Josie said.
“When I first started working there was only the principal, who also taught in the classroom. There was a teacher, and myself. That was it, the three of us.”
Josie said: “We had a visiting library, a visiting P.E., and a visiting art teacher … but that was once a fortnight. If they wanted to play a game everyone was involved, the whole 28, whether you were in prep or grade 6.”
Today, the rural school has grown to about 200 students.
“It’s still small but it’s one of the best schools. Not too many kids, it’s personal,” she said.
Josie’s background was in early childhood, working as a preschool mothercraft nurse before having her own family.
She said: “I have always loved working with children. But when I had my own family, it was too difficult … early starts and late finishes. It just didn’t suit.”
Working at the local primary school did suit. Over the years, she has watched generations grow up.
“To see the kids progress, from when they first start in prep, working with them all the way to Year 6 … it is just very rewarding,” she said.
“You have got a lot of challenges when they first start … but it’s a very rewarding job.”
Receiving her retirement date was sentimental.
Josie said: “I have accomplished a lot here. I have been very emotional … because it has been a very big part of my life. I have been here for more than half my life, and I love it.”
The school itself has changed with the times. “We used to start at 9.15am because a lot of the people in the area had chores to do, farming chores. So we have come a long way.”
But for Josie, one thing hasn’t changed. “It’s a job that you do because you love your job,” she said.
Her advice to those following in her footsteps is simple. “It is challenging and it’s getting more challenging … but just be patient. Working in this field you have to have a lot of patience and it’s not a job you can do without patience.”
Wallan women into grand final
THE grand finals have been set in the GDCA’s two women’s competitions after some commanding victories at the weekend.
Wallan produced a dominant performance against Lancefield Black in A grade to book a home grand final, winning by nine wickets.
Sent in to field, Wallan were on top early taking the wickets of both opening batters. It was then up to Ebony Penny and Luzanne de Kock to steady for the Tigers, who were able to do just that and then applied scoreboard pressure with some powerful hitting.
The game was in the balance in the 20th over when young Lara Vecchie was thrown the ball and bowled Penny for 15, and she followed it up with a blinder of a catch in the outfield the next over to remove de Kock for a well-made 29.
The remaining wickets were quickly cleaned up for just nine runs, leaving Wallan to chase just 88 to win.
Emily Telford was prolific with the ball, taking 3/6 from her four overs.
In the chase, Telford was joined at the crease by Wallan captain Megan Farrell and the pair quickly got to work whittling down the target.
Farrell was dismissed for 41 with just eight runs required, but the job was already done. Telford remained unbeaten on 33 while last week’s hero Charli Laity chipped in with five.
Ashleigh Cross took the lone wicket for Lancefield Black.
After the game, Farrell was full of praise for her young players.
“Lara and Emersyn (Castle) have come into the team and bowled amazingly,” she said.
“Also Lara’s catch today was an absolute highlight of the year. It’s reassuring to know that the junior girls can easily come in and fill a role for us.”
The Magpies will play Gisborne, who dealt with Bacchus Marsh in dominant fashion in the other semi-final to win by nine wickets.
Farrell said: “We’re a pretty even match up so I’m expecting a tight, nerve racking match.
“Hopefully it’ll be a good watch for the crowd.”
In B grade, the news was better for Lancefield’s Yellow team who beat East Sunbury by 10 wickets.
Choosing to bowl first, East Sunbury made their way to 1/41 before Evie Fish took two wickets in two balls to change the momentum.
Tight bowling from opening bowler Olivia Goodes (2/16) as well as Emily and Molly Consiglio (both 0/10) helped reduce their opponents to 4/99 from their 20 overs.
Molly Consiglio played a captain’s knock at the top of the order, pumping seven fours from her first 22 balls faced to put Lancefield ahead of the required run rate early.
She then made her way to a classy 50 to prove why she’s been the most prolific batter in B grade this season, helping the Tigers get the job done with more than seven overs to spare without losing a wicket.
Emma Donnellon (17 not out) and Megan Richardt (20 not out) pitched in with handy contributions.
Lancefield will face Melton Centrals at Lancefield Park next Sunday after they defeated a valiant Broadford by 43 runs.
Chasing 136 from their 20 overs, Broadford lost openers Lana Wood and captain Brooke Jeffery early on.
Philippa Skala’s season-high 31 provided some resistance in the middle order, but the chase proved too big in the end, Broadford finishing 7/92 to end their inaugural season.
Grand finals set for DVCA
IT’S grand final time for the Diamond Valley Cricket Association, with plenty of local teams still in the mix.
Mernda’s terrific first season back in Money Shield came to an end in the semi final against Eltham, losing by seven wickets.
The Demons never quite got a start on Saturday, with the game ending inside one day.
Stuart Wright top scored with 21, while Ryan Marnell fought hard by scoring 17, but Eltham’s pressure bowling was just too much, with the Demons rolled for 81.
Michael Edwards gave the Demons a little bit of hope by taking 2/24, but it was Eltham’s day as it cruised to the target in just 27 overs, scoring 3/83, and progressing to a meeting with Lower Plenty next week.
There was better news for Whittlesea, however, who turned around a last round defeat to Macleod and crushed its opponents across the weekend.
Batting first on Saturday, the Eagles took advantage of good batting conditions, first through Nathan Heaney who anchored the top order with 42, before Lathindu Kandage showcased his immense talent once again with a glorious 93, including eight fours and six sixes.
That allowed the Eagles to make 240, before their bowling lineup did the rest on Sunday.
Kevin Satharasinghege Don took 3/17, while Heaney took 2/7 in what was a dominant performance, with Macleod bowled out for 71.
The Eagles now progress to a grand final date against Banyule, who chased down minor premier Rivergum.
Mernda’s second XI was no match for Riverside, losing by eight wickets.
The top order gave the Demons a solid enough start, with Abhi Patel scoring 21 and Lucas Long 20, but a middle order collapse saw the Demons behind the eight ball.
Geordi Summers added 17 to help get the Demons over 100, but they were bowled out for 111.
Riverside was simply too good when the two teams reconvened on Sunday, needing 50 overs to make the required total, finishing on 2/112.
There was better news for the Demons in E grade, winning through to a grand final courtesy of a 110-run win over South Morang.
Batting first, the Demons utilised a strong top order showing, with Rob Virtue scoring 70, Andrew Edwards adding 49 and Rob Corrigan 31.
Late hitting from David Taylor (27) and Stephen Otter (21) allowed the Demons to make 9/241.
For the Lions, Kane Slater (2/25), Ansh Vara (2/26) and Darcy McLean (2/27) all took multiple wickets.
The Lions did what they could on Sunday to make inroads on the total, with Vara scoring 25 and Atinder Singh 20, while Joe Lovalvo added 25, but it was Charlie Andrews who tore through the Lions’ batting lineup, taking 5/36 to ensure South Morang would be bowled out for 131.
The Demons were no match for Montmorency in the F2 grade semi final.
Only Josh Brady (25) and Mohid Ashraf (23) could make inroads against the Magpies’ bowling attack as Mernda was bowled out for 67 in just 44 overs.
Montmorency then needed only 26 overs to seal the contest within a day, finishing on 2/70.
Mernda’s G3 grade could not take advantage of its minor premiership, bundled out in straight sets.
On Saturday, the Demons hosted their qualifying final against Diamond Creek but came up short with both bat and ball.
Diamond Creek scored 6/268 in 35 overs of big hitting, with Ayaan Kakkar the only Demon to take multiple wickets, finishing with 2/37.
The Demons could not recover from starting 2/1 with the bat, with only Nitin Kakkar scoring well with 44 runs, as they were bundled out for 90.
Backing up on Sunday, the Demons ran into a red-hot Thomastown team who put on 8/196 batting first.
Again, it was Ayaan who bowled well to take 2/18, while Tej Pal Singh came on late and took 2/7 off his sole over.
Once Mernda batted, the Demons again fell into trouble straight away and couldn’t respond when needed.
Nitin top-scored again with 12, but the Demons were rolled for 70 in 24 overs.
Resident unease over Tootle Street plan
RESIDENTS in Tootle Street have expressed anger against proposed housing developments which have continued to add to the Mitchell Shire Council’s (MSC) frustration against new housing reform laws.
Four pointers have been raised, with residents concerned about the potential for traffic congestion and disaster preparation, the buildings impacting lifestyles, buses which barely cleared the space through the route which could be exacerbated by these new developments, and that the covenants were for homes on large blocks.
Previously, the application was considered by VCAT in 2022.
“In its order dated 15 July 2022, VCAT set aside council’s decision to refuse the proposal and directed that a planning permit be issued for the land in accordance with endorsed plans and conditions,” MSC CEO Mary Agostino said.
However, with the new changes to planning controls, this has altered how councils now must view similar proposals.
“Council officers are currently assessing the applications in light of the Victorian Government’s recent changes to planning controls for multi‑dwelling developments. These reforms have significantly altered how councils across Victoria must assess these types of proposals,” Ms Agostino said.
“The state changes streamline decision guidelines, shorten statutory timeframes, restrict the matters councils are permitted to consider and introduce “deemed to comply” provisions, meaning that if a proposal meets the prescribed standards, council cannot refuse the application.
“These reforms were introduced with little to no consultation with local government, and they now form the mandatory assessment framework for all new multi‑dwelling applications.
“Because of these changes, some applications may not require a Community Questions and Hearings Committee meeting or a full Council decision cycle. Officers are carefully assessing the proposals against the new requirements and are briefing Councillors as part of this process.”
Through Clause 55 exemptions, Ms Agostino also confirmed that neighbourhood character, such as the one on Tootle Street, is also unable to be considered.
“Under the new Clause 55 exemptions, neighbourhood character is no longer a consideration for applications captured by the State reforms. Changes made to Clause 55 now explicitly removes the requirement for the responsible authority to consider neighbourhood character policies or studies when determining these applications,” she said.
“As a result, council’s neighbourhood character studies cannot be applied in assessing these proposals. VCAT is also unable to consider neighbourhood character policies or studies for applications assessed under the new Clause 55 provisions.
“Council’s decision‑making is now confined to the standards and objectives set out in Clause 55 as amended by the State Government.
“The Department of Transport and Planning has prepared an FAQ to assist the community in understanding the recent changes.”
Longwood concert success
THOUSANDS of people flocked to Longwood on Saturday night as the small town hosted a sold-out bushfire relief concert aimed at supporting communities affected by recent fires across the Strathbogie region.
Held at the Longwood Recreation Reserve on March 7, the event raised funds for the Strathbogie Disaster Relief Fund while bringing together residents, visitors, and emergency services for a night of music and community spirit.
Organised by a local community committee, the concert was designed to help fire-impacted towns recover while also drawing visitors back into the region.
Australian singer-songwriter Tones and I headlined the event, performing for a packed crowd. She was joined by local support acts; Swim State and Kaitlin Keegan.
Local resident and Bushfire Relief Concert Organising Committee member Renae Vercoe said the night was a proud moment for the town.
She said: “Longwood might be a small town, but it’s full of heart. Being able to host Tones and I at the Longwood Recreation Reserve is a huge moment for our town – it’ll bring people into the region, showcase our community, and give those touched by the bushfires a positive night to share.”
“This funding will make an incredible difference to the success of the event, allowing us to deliver it safely and maximise the funds raised on the night for the broader fire-impacted community.”
Beyond the music, the event offered a range of food trucks and stalls, creating a festival-like atmosphere as families, friends and visitors gathered to support the cause.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the event was a strong example of communities coming together to support recovery efforts.
“I’m pleased this event can be delivered because of the support from the Labor Government. It’s a great example of community-led recovery efforts that will help the community bounce back and attract thousands of visitors to the region,” Ms Symes said.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said: “We are proud to support this event which will provide a much-needed boost for a community that has had a really tough summer.”
With strong attendance and overwhelming community support, the Longwood Bushfire Relief Concert has been hailed as a major success, demonstrating the resilience of regional communities and the power of music to bring people together in difficult times.
Brigade ready for Good Friday drive
KILMORE Fire Brigade is launching its annual Good Friday Appeal next month.
Kilmore CFA member Garry Callinan coordinates the doorknock appeal to help raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
“It’s being held on Friday, April 3, and we need more people to help get the job done,” Mr Callinan said.
“Hopefully, as school holidays start on Friday, we get lots of volunteers.”
Buses supplied by Seymour Coaches and the Bendigo Bank will help volunteers to undertake doorknocking through the day and carry them to different streets of the town.
The starting point is the Kilmore CFA, 20 Conway Street, on Friday, April 3. Volunteers will rally from 7.45am for an 8am bus departure. In between, they will be divided into groups and given a map, and a two-way radio for communication purposes. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
The shuttle buses will return to the station for a morning tea about 10.30am. The buses will depart again for the doorknocking rounds around 11am following the morning tea offered with hot cross buns donated by Kemps Bakery.
There will be a variety of food and plenty of drinks.
Mr Callinan said: “We pause for lunch around 1pm. Those willing would go back out again after lunch (for doorknocking) as the buses are on loan to us all day.
“The town is growing and that means more doors to knock on. It’s also a positive as we have more opportunities to raise more funds.”
In 2025, Kilmore and district residents raised $36,954 for the appeal.
“Knowing that the money we collect is going to a good cause is what keeps us going. Watching the appeal on TV is also pretty cool, especially when you see the Kilmore tally,” Mr Callinan said.
Anyone interested in volunteering on the day should call Garry Callinan on 0430 965 205 or Paul Spear on 0408 101 419.